22/10/2025
🎗️ Breast Cancer Awareness: Protecting Mothers, Protecting Families
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women — it affects entire families. As a paediatrician, I’ve seen how a mother’s illness can deeply impact her children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
💗 Understanding Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. The good news is that early detection saves lives. Regular self-examinations, screening, and mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Be aware of warning signs, such as:
✅ Lumps or thickening in the breast
✅ Changes in breast shape or size
✅ Discharge or dimpling of the skin
✅ Pain that doesn’t go away
Awareness isn’t just about knowing — it’s about acting. Encourage the women in your family and community to get screened regularly.
👨👩👧👦 How Breast Cancer Affects Children
When a mother or caregiver is diagnosed with breast cancer, children are often silent witnesses to her pain and struggle. They may experience:
✅ Emotional distress – fear, confusion, or sadness
✅ Behavioral changes – withdrawal, poor concentration, or irritability
✅ Health impact – stress can weaken a child’s immune system
As parents and caregivers, it’s important to:
✅ Reassure your child that their feelings are valid
✅ Communicate openly and honestly at their level of understanding
✅ Maintain routines where possible — it helps children feel safe
✅ Seek support from counselors, teachers, or family members
Healthy communication and emotional support help children cope better during such challenging times.
🌿 Preventing Breast Cancer — A Lifestyle Approach
While not all cases can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of breast cancer:
✅ Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
✅ Exercise regularly — even 30 minutes a day helps
✅ Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
✅ Breastfeed if possible — it lowers risk for mothers and strengthens babies’ immunity
✅ Manage stress through rest, prayer, or mindfulness
✅ Get regular check-ups and screenings
Together, we can make a difference — one mother, one family, one community at a time. 💕
www.drlawsonchikara.org
